Eldra Jarman

Eldra Mary Jarman born Eldra Mary Roberts (4 September 1917 – 24 September 2000)

She had south Asian heritage as she was a Kale (Welsh Roma) harpist and author. She is known for the books she researched on the Welsh Romani heritage and her knowledge of the triple harp. Her memoirs were made into a film.

Early life Jarman was born in Aberystwyth in 1917. Her parents were Edith and Ernest France Roberts. Her family lived in a house, but both of her parents had Roma heritage. The family had started to integrate and become "house gypsies". Her mother, Edith (born Howard), had not lived in a house until she was ten. Jarman had a special childhood, as her playmate was her brother who was ten years older and she did not mix with other children. She learned about fishing, ferrets, dogs and how to net rabbits. Her mother was the source of oral traditions with stories. Her grandfather, Reuben Roberts, had been a harpist, while her father was employed as the regimental harpist for the South Wales Borderers. He was a talented harpist who was trusted to do his own arrangements. Eldra learned how to play by watching him.

In 1991 she and her husband published The Welsh Gypsies: Children of Abram Wood. This was like Y Sipsiwn Cymreig, but in English and added detail.

Death and legacy Jarman died in Pontypridd Cottage Hospital in 2000. In 2003, Eldra was screened, S based on her life and her memoirs.